Young Indians fan returns to get home run balls

CLEVELAND -- Niko Lanzarotta is becoming a fixture at Progressive Field. And that's just fine with the Cleveland Indians.

The 8-year-old Indians fan with cerebral palsy had a special wish granted last month at the ballpark and returned to see his favorite team play the New York Mets on Saturday.

Before the July 24 game against Minnesota, he asked Indians catcher Carlos Santana - his favorite player - and second baseman Jason Kipnis if they would hit a home run for him. In a script straight out of a movie, both came through. Before Saturday's game, Niko received the home run balls from the fans who caught them that night.

Niko and his parents watched the Indians take batting practice. He had his picture taken with Santana and Kipnis, and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera gave him his batting gloves.